20 For your servant is conscious of his sin: and so, as you see, I have come today, the first of all the sons of Joseph, for the purpose of meeting my lord the king.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:20

Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:16-23

(Read 2 Samuel 19:16-23)

Those who now slight and abuse the Son of David, would be glad to make their peace when he shall come in his glory; but it will be too late. Shimei lost no time. His abuse had been personal, and with the usual right feeling of good men, David could more easily forgive it.